Redlands Ave, Newport Heights

Every summer my boss entertains all of his employees with a swim and barbecue party at his home on Redlands Avenue in Newport Beach. His half acre backyard is no ordinary setting for a backyard party. Designed as a park for his many kids and grandkids, it starts from the back of his guest house, set upon a bunch of big boulders and slopes down to a tree-covered green highlighted with a gazebo.

The pool, made from rocks and boulders is small but it is really only a receptacle for kids (and adults) who brave the long water slide. The bigger kids (and adults) enjoy the challenge of diving from the boulders of varying heights. A large cooking and dining area separates the pool area from the quiet green at the bottom of the property.

The neighborhood, considered a part of "old" Newport Beach, is comprised of individually built homes, many of which are of the large, custom home ilk while most are tract-home sized. Lot sizes vary but most are more than a quarter acre.

The greater area is bordered by the Toll Road and the Santa Ana Country Club on east, the Pacific Coast on the West, the Costa Mesa Freeway to the north and the Upper Newport Bay on the south. So, the Redlands Avenue neighborhood, while it seems like a world-away, is actually very centrally located to all of the trappings of Newport Beach life.

My boss enjoys his meals out and his favorite destination is PCH with his very eclectic choices all sit within a mile of each other. From the old Arches to the haughty Balboa Bay Club there are about a dozen restaurants that can satisfy any appetite.